German furniture designer Tommi Parzinger brought high-style modernism to the forefront. Taking a vivid, stylized approach to mid-century furniture, many of his works feature boldly colored lacquers and offbeat finishes that make his pieces stand out among the works of his peers. Despite his uniquely progressive vision, Parzinger showed equal expertise in producing fine, traditional furnishings.
Born in Munich, Parzinger moved to New York City in 1932. He began his practice in the United States by designing for the Manhattan style trailblazer Rena Rosenthal. In 1939, he established his first company, which split its focus between handcrafted silver household items — such as tea sets and barware — and home furnishings, like dining tables and cabinets. In his first year in business, Parzinger exhibited several pieces of furniture at the 1939 New York World’s Fair.
A master craftsman, Parzinger sought out the most exceptional materials for his furniture, employing the finest woods — like mahogany and walnut — as well as including custom brass hardware and pewter inlays.
His silver works presented an elevated level of style and grace. A November 1939 article in LIFE magazine described Parzinger as “the most creative original designer of silverware in the United States.”
While he was still running his own business — creating 12 to 30 new designs each year — Charak Furniture Company appointed Parzinger as its head of modern furniture design. He modernized Charak’s design approach from a more traditional form to a mid-century modern style.
In the mid-1960s, Parzinger stopped designing furniture, turning his company over to his friend Donald Cameron. He shifted his attention to paintings, which he created until his death in 1981.
On 1stDibs, find a broad selection of vintage Tommi Panzinger tables, lighting, storage pieces and more.
$636Sale Price|20% Off
Solid Brass Covered Bowl Designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Doraville, GA
DISCRIPTION A design by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths, a vintage solid brass covered bowl. The bowl is embossed on the bottom with the Tommi Parzinger insignia and marked ...
Brass
$3,850 / set
H 19.25 in Dm 5 in
Pair of Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths Brass Hurricane Candle Sconces
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Southampton, NJ
A pair of c1950 brass candle sconces by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths. These candle sconces exhibit Parzinger's unique talent of mixing classical with the modern. Parzing...
Brass
Paper Brass Bowl II by Gentner Design
By Christopher Gentner
Located in Geneve, CH
Paper brass bowl II by Gentner Design Dimensions: D 17.7 x W 22.8 x H 14 cm Materials: tarnished brass Available in tarnished brass and darkened brass. The Paper Series embodie...
Brass
Paper Darkened Brass Bowl I by Gentner Design
By Christopher Gentner
Located in Geneve, CH
Paper darkened brass bowl I by Gentner Design Dimensions: D 25.4 x W 25.4 x H 12.7 cm Materials: darkened brass Available in tarnished brass and darkened brass. The Paper Series emb...
Brass
$380 / set
H 6.75 in W 4 in D 4 in
Pair of Tommi Parzinger Brass Candleholders Made by Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in San Diego, CA
Elegant pair of Tommi Parzinger solid polished brass candleholders made by Dorlyn Silversmiths New York, a nice clean condition some patina.
Brass
$692Sale Price / set|44% Off
H 7 in W 4 in D 4 in
Tommi Parzinger Brass Candlesticks by Dorlyn Silversmiths, 1960, Pair
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Tommi Parzinger candlesticks brass signed. Small scale pair of candlesticks both signed on the undersides: "Made by Dorlyn Silversmiths" with conjoined cypher - PR. In good original ...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Tazza
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
A brass tazza by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Brass Box Mid-Century Modern Design USA 1950's
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in North Miami, FL
This Mid-Century Modern vintage Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths is hallmarked on the back. This chic brass box back in the times of the 1950s was s silent butler tray to pick...
Brass
Large Chandelier by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Dallas, TX
A rare and large design for Parzinger Originals. This model has eight leather wrapped candelabras and a larger down light with perforations in the central cone.
Solid Brass Bowl Italian Design Ovoid Gold, 1970
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Solid brass bowl Italian design ovoid gold, 1970.
Brass
Swan Bowl, Solid Brass, Midcentury Design, Double Handle
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A good size centerpiece bowl. Solid cast brass with an antique finish, heavy casting. Double handles. About 16 " across and 12" diameter bowl. Packing and shipping can be quoted at t...
Brass
$775 / set
H 6.75 in W 4 in D 4 in
Pair of Tommi Parzinger Brass Candleholders Made by Dorlyn-Silversmiths
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in St. Louis, MO
Pair of Tommi Parzinger brass candleholders, made by Dorlyn-Silversmiths, circa 1950s. Candleholders appear to have little or no use. Branded made by Dorlyn-Silversmiths. Minor patina.
Brass
Round Bowl in Solid Gilded Brass Italian Design, 1950, Midcentury
Located in Palermo, Sicily
Round bowl in solid gilded brass Italian design, 1950, midcentury.
Brass
Small Brass Serving Bowl by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn-Silversmiths
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Small serving bowl designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn-Silversmiths. Re-finished in antique bronze. Signature stamp on bottom.
Brass
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H 3.25 in W 9.75 in D 6 in
Signed Mid-Century Modern Brass Bowl by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid-Century Modern polished brass bowl was designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths in the United States circa 1960. It features a concave oval body with a cy...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Lidded Brass Bowl by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid-Century Modern polished brass bowl was designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths in the United States circa 1960. It features a circular body with a matchi...
Brass
Mid-Century Modern Footed Brass Bowl by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Mid-Century Modern polished brass bowl was designed by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths in the United States circa 1960. It features a circular body with banding ...
Brass
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H 3 in W 17 in D 6.25 in
Mid-Century Modern Oval Brass Dish by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Mid-Century Modern dish was realized by the esteemed Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths circa 1950. It features a concave circular top with three bands circumscrib...
Brass
Midcentury Banded Brass Dish by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Mid-Century Modern dish was realized by the esteemed Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths, circa 1950. It features a concave circular top with three bands circumscri...
Brass
Sold
H 2.25 in Dm 6.5 in
Mid-Century Modern Banded Brass Dish by Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
This stunning Mid-Century Modern dish was realized by the esteemed Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn Silversmiths circa 1950. It features a concave circular top with three bands circumscrib...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger for Doryn Compote
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in Norwalk, CT
Fabricated by Doryn Silversmiths, NYC from Tommi Parzinger design, a fine example of Parzinger serveware. A small compote, newly polished and lacquered. ...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Brass Footed Rectangular Bowl or Tray Mid-Century Modern
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
This great Mid-Century Modern Tommi Parzinger polished brass bowl was made by Dorlyn Silversmiths as hallmarked on the bottom. The rolled handles and feet are pure Parzinger. It is e...
Brass
Tommi Parzinger Modernist Polished Brass Pedestal Bowl
By Dorlyn Silversmiths, Tommi Parzinger
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely and substantial polished brass Tommi Parzinger pedestal bowl was done by Dorlyn Silversmiths as hallmarked on the bottom of this bowl. The circle of lines on the perimet...
Brass
Pair of Brass Compotes by Tommi Parzinger
By Tommi Parzinger
Located in New York, NY
Mid-Century pair of polished brass compotes designed by Tommi Parzinger.
Brass
Tommi Parzinger For Dorlyn Brass Double Handle Candy Dish
By Tommi Parzinger, Dorlyn Silversmiths
Located in Chicago, IL
Tommi Parzinger for Dorlyn brass candy dish with double incised looped handles. Incised sunburst patterned dish raised on a small circular base.
Brass